Scammers fail to net any Central National Bank account numbers in scheme

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

August 01, 2008 11:34 pm

— Scammers phishing for Central National Bank customers’ account numbers and personal information were unable to net anything in their efforts, a bank official said.
CNB customers were contacted by telephone or e-mail and told their debit/credit card accounts had been suspended. Customers were told to supply their account information online or over the telephone to reactivate the accounts.
CNB Marketing Officer Tim Milacek said the bank was in the process of shutting down a phone number linked to the scam seeking financial information and account numbers from customers.
“Do not give any personal financial information to anyone over the phone, via e-mail or fax unless you can absolutely prove everything is above board,” Milacek said.
He said the bank was working Friday to have the scam shut down and said as of 1:30 p.m. no customers had been taken in by the scam. However, Milacek said if anyone ever does divulge sensitive financial information, such as account numbers, over the Internet or phone he or she needs to report it to the bank immediately.
He said banking customers should only deal with their financial institutions directly. Banks, he said, should never contact customers over the phone or via e-mail seeking information.
“Central National Bank doesn’t ever send unsolicited e-mails or phone calls or any correspondence to our customers or non-customers asking for financial information,” he said.
The scam involved calls or e-mails to customers, seeking a response by telephone or submitting information online. Calls to the number Friday afternoon were answered by an automatic voice mail system. The recording asked only for a message to be left and did not mention suspended accounts.
One e-mail began “dear customer” and claimed “unlocking your account will take approximately one minute to complete.” The e-mail asked readers to click on a link and follow the steps.
The e-mail ended, “Central National Bank of Enid is serious about safeguarding your personal information online.” It lists the bank’s West Broadway office address but does not include a name or electronic signature.